Revved up for Tour route

Partners Sara Bradley and Steven Fisher, of SF Leisure, are renovating an old Citroen H van to sell French cuisine and champagne on part of the Tour de France route, near Leyburn. (d319a406)

SF Leisure’s distinctive Citroen H van is undergoing a stylish makeover to bring some French refreshment to spectators lining the route at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

The Woodkirk firm plans to park its pièce de résistance outside Penley’s cafe in Leyburn, where Le Tour cyclists will whizz past on the afternoon of Saturday July 5, during stage one of the race.

Working with the cafe, the SF Leisure team is hoping to serve champagne and French foods to add a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the market town throughout the festivities.

Owner Steven Fisher found the distinctive van in Bordeaux, France, complete with original Michelin tyres.

“It just presented a fantastic opportunity,” he said.

Steven, who formed the events company ten years ago, said its unusual shape and style stood out.

“It’s going to attract so much attention,” he said.

“There will be so many people there from all different places so it will be fantastic.”

The van, which is being lovingly renovated at SF Leisure’s base in Quarry Lane, is being painted in red, white and blue – the colours of both the French and British flags.

As well as serving tea, coffee and other snacks, Steven and his partner Sara Bradley are hoping to incorporate French fizz, foods and even Evian water into their offerings to make their van the talk of the town.

Sara said: “It’s a massive thing, the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire.

“Leyburn is one of the prettiest market towns there is and it will be brilliant, it’s the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.”

Steven said the project was partly inspired by TV show George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, where people have transformed sheds, shipping containers and even a horse box into homes, offices and pubs.

“It’s been a great team effort so far,” Steven said. “A lot of heart has gone into it.

“After the Tour de France it would make a fantastic bar.”

The firm, which works with brands including WKD, VK and Smirnoff, describes itself as a one stop shop for events and provides a wide range of entertainment, from rodeo bulls to foam parties and casino tables.

Established in 2003, it offers themed parties and promotions for corporate events.